Surgery patients at Duke University Medical Center are finding that more needles may actually relieve pain after surgery. Doctors say using the centuries-old practice of acupuncture along with anesthesia speeds recovery and reduces discomfort in patients.

Since being diagnosed with early stage breast cancer two years ago, Lisa Lee of Dunn has had several surgical procedures. Like an estimated 80 percent of people who are given anesthesia, she's suffered with complications.

"It's usually as soon as I wake up," she said. "It's usually vomiting, nausea, dry heaves, everything."

So when Duke Anesthesiologist T.J. Gan suggested acupuncture to relieve the side effects, she was willing to give it a try.

"We have conducted a number of these studies comparing acupuncture with a well-recognized anti-emetic or anti-sickness medication," said Gan. "And acupuncture compares very well. And in some instances, acupuncture may even be better."

Acupuncture has been standard practice in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Practitioners stimulate specific points on the body said to control the flow of chi, or energy, using hair-thin needles inserted through the patient's skin.

Before surgery, Gan placed acupuncture needles in specific sites on Lisa's wrists that are said to prevent nausea. He boosted the stimulation by sending a mild electric current through the needles. Three more needles on her legs were placed at points to stimulate her body to release its own painkillers.

"The needle that we use is very, very tiny and are much smaller than any other needles you will find in a hospital," said Gan. "In fact, some patients don't even feel it."

The needles stayed in place during the two-and-a-half hour surgery, but are removed immediately afterward. While patients still receive standard pain medications like morphine during surgery, Gan said they typically need less of those more costly drugs during and after their procedures.

Gan introduced acupuncture at Duke University Medical Center ten years ago and offers it to his patients at no additional charge. He said acupuncture can be safe for any patient, so long as they are comfortable with the practice and are in the hands of a licensed acupuncturist.